I advocate for and assist others in the natural care and feeding of dogs. Here you can follow how I feed and care for my dogs as well as learn about other aspects of holistic care such as herbs, traditional chinese medicine (esp acupressure), flower essences, and reiki.
For more on holistic care visit theartofdog.com

Friday, October 26, 2007

Luckily we were not terribly effected by the local fires. We didn't have to evacuate, but the air and ash on the ground was terrible for several days.

Vida and I both started taking Y.E.S., or Yarrow Environmental Solution from Flower Essence Services to help with the crap in the air and in the ash. This remedy was originally developed for nuclear fallout and radiation, but I think it's good for any environmental toxin. With the chemicals used in modern life I wouldn't discount anything when it comes to fire air. Just so you know, the taste is very abrupt - one doesn't dilute it for use, and it has both brandy and sea salt - so I don't recommend giving directly in the mouth for pets (eww!). Just spritz their food before mixing it up, and mist them with it.

We'll both start a bit of homeopathic detox too for good measure.

I added a little cooked grain to her breakfast this morning to moisten her a bit, as well as a fingerful of local raw honey to moisten the lungs. Keeping up with the coconut oil and the usual supplements.

She's finally getting a little stir crazy from the lack of exercise (we're both trying to stay inside), but finally today the air in our neighborhood is clearing enough to do some exercise outdoors. This morning I was washing ash off the house and Vida was playing with the spray.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Weird weather, still very warm. Wore long sleeves to the dog park for the first time in months today, the breeze was cool.

Feeding changes for Vida? Less fish, a dab of honey every couple of days, the last of this year's poor figs before breakfast this week, turkey, duck, honest kitchen, coconut oil. All these small adjustments.

Autumn is the season of the Lungs and Large Intestines - the Metal Element in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Honey moistens the lungs. Raw local honey of course (local as in within 100 miles). I have some good Alfalfa honey from Orange County. We're both eating more honey. Don't want the dry autumn wind to start any trouble.

Coconut oil - haven't given it since last Fall, seemed a need. not too much.

Oh yeah, giving a Eye remedy, chinese herb spheres designed for animals. A couple weeks in her eyes look more moist, which is good. Not treating an acute problem, just the slight development of cataract mist at an early age.